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Last Word
Traditionally made with equal parts gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice but, like like many others, (when using a 40%-43% alc./vol...
1st January 2021 at 22:27
I discovered The Last Word after searching for something to make with gin and Chartreuse, and while I quite enjoyed my first stab at it — it homed right in on my taste for sour — I felt the lime juice overpowered all the other flavors. Next round, I halved the amount of lime, upped the gin by a couple of dashes (I used an Old Tom), and found the result much better balanced to my taste. Anyone else feel the 1/4 lime juice ratio obliterates the complexity of the other ingredients?
16th March 2021 at 20:37
For me it's mostly the Luxardo Maraschino. As is, the equal parts version and this Difford's version are cocktails I want to like but don't actually like.
I think next time I make this I'll follow your and another poster's advice and scale back the lime and the Luxardo Maraschino.
Something like:
0.75 oz gin (or 1 oz)
0.75 oz Chartreuse
0.5 oz Luxardo Maraschino
0.5 oz lime juice
I think next time I make this I'll follow your and another poster's advice and scale back the lime and the Luxardo Maraschino.
Something like:
0.75 oz gin (or 1 oz)
0.75 oz Chartreuse
0.5 oz Luxardo Maraschino
0.5 oz lime juice
28th December 2020 at 00:30
Loving this cocktail but when I use a luxardo maraschino straight out of the jar as a garnish I’m getting a pool of syrup in the bottom of my coupe. What’s the secret to a cleaner look?
28th December 2020 at 09:39
Some would say that pool of syrup is the best bit. To avoid, pluck your cherry from the jar using garnish tongs (available from this site in the UK) and briefly wave through running cold water to wash off the excess. Alternatively, pat cherry with a paper towel /bev nap.
9th December 2020 at 01:34
Delicious! Well balanced. I think this might become one of my regulars.
13th November 2020 at 05:18
You saved this drink! I am a Chartreuse fanatic but I have always hated the last word. I have tried it a number of times as it is considered THE Chartreuse cocktail. This one really works, the extra gin and I think the water makes all the difference. Now I get it!
20th November 2021 at 01:53
Try Tequila Repasado instead of gin. I thought it was outstanding
[deleted user]
13th November 2020 at 08:19
Hi Chris, as a hardcore Chartreuse fan have you tried the Episcopal? I think you'll love it!
12th November 2020 at 22:36
Delicious and complex - more than the sum of its parts
13th October 2020 at 08:47
Make it with Navy Strength Gin & call it an Epitaph!
8th October 2020 at 02:24
I bought Luxardo Maraschino to make my first ever Last Word as I learn to mix the classics. I started with the equal-parts traditional recipe but I think my face screwed up in shock on the first sip at how overly sweet it was, given how old and storied a formula it is. I tried it again with your revised ratios, Simon, and it is a massive improvement. This take is an ideal introduction to Chartreuse for anyone and I would never go back to equal parts after this!
8th October 2020 at 07:05
Many thanks for the feedback - it's reassuring when I change specs for established classics.
19th September 2020 at 21:21
Hello Mr Difford, I'm reporting in as requested a while back. :) I have tried and now do prefer it with the gin upped a tad, with 1 Sipsmith and then 3/4 each of the others.
20th September 2020 at 08:30
Hi Andrew. That's good news as very close to my spec above. Many thanks for taking the time to feedback.
2nd August 2020 at 02:05
I've not tried your "gin dialed up" version yet, but the ones I made this evening, with equal 3/4 oz portions of each ingredient, were delicious.
2nd August 2020 at 09:09
I'm keen to hear what you think of a splash more gin.
8th July 2020 at 14:06
The very best very last drink of a good night for me.
I most like it with Overproof 57% Vol. ,Juniper heavy Gin, double zested with fresh bergamot and sprayed with some absinth. 10/10 !
I most like it with Overproof 57% Vol. ,Juniper heavy Gin, double zested with fresh bergamot and sprayed with some absinth. 10/10 !
16th June 2020 at 19:40
A cheaper alternative to Chartreuse is Boomsma Claerkampster Cloosterbitter - it has 17 herbs instead of Chartreuse's 130, and it's noticeably less complex, but overall tastes quite similar.
17th June 2020 at 07:42
Great tip. Thank you. I'll look out for Boomsma Claerkampster Cloosterbitter. Sadly not yet available in the UK.
21st April 2020 at 23:58
A structure to launch countless cocktails from!
It's certainly miles ahead of my Suit & Tai, though I wouldn't complain if it snuck into the next print edition...